Walking aid retention device

ABSTRACT

A walking aid retention device for releasably maintaining a walking aid in a generally vertical position and being configured to be attached to a suitable rigid structure. The walking aid retention device further includes a base portion with a pair of fingers extending therefrom designed to receive thereinto a suitable rigid support structure. Contiguous with the base and extending opposite the finger are a pair of arms. Attached to the base is a coil spring that biases the fingers towards each other. Perpendicularly mounted to the base is a resilient clamp having two legs that is rotatable and is configured to receive a walking aid thereinto.

PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119(e) & 37 C.F.R. §1.78

This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior U.S. provisional patent application entitled: Cane Clip, Application No.: 60/665,247, filed Mar. 25, 2005, in the names of Terry D. Beasley and Betty Beasley, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a walking aid retention device, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a device attachable to a walking aid, such as a cane or crutch, for securing the walking aid to a suitable structure to maintain the walking aid in a generally vertical orientation when not in use.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals require the assistance of a walking aid device such as a cane or a crutch either temporarily or for long term due to illness or other medical condition. A fundamental problem that many of these individuals encounter occurs when the individual is at a destination with their walking aid. Often, the individual has no method of securing the walking aid to a suitable structure that will allow the walking aid to be secured in a vertical orientation in order to facilitate easier access when required.

Currently, when not in use, the individual typically has to lay the walking aid on the floor, whereby it poses a safety hazard for not only the individual but others walking in the area. Placing the walking aid on the floor has also shown to create retrieval problems for those with more serious medical conditions.

A commonly used alternative to placing the walking aid device on the floor is to temporarily lean or rest the device against a suitable structure such as a tabletop or the walls of a bathroom cubicle. As the walking aids are not secured by any method to the structure against which they are leaned, the walking aid is susceptible to being easily knocked down causing difficulty for the individual when retrieving the walking aid.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can be either attached to a walking aid or integrally formed therewith that allows a user to readily and releasably secure the walking aid to a suitable structure in order to maintain a vertical orientation of the walking aid when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be attached to a walking aid, such as but not limited to a cane or crutch, that allows the user to attach the walking aid to a suitable structure when not in use to facilitate vertical storage thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that can be releasably secured to a plurality of types of walking aids.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be releasably secured to a walking aid with the device being rotatable in order to facilitate attachment of the walking aid to a suitable structure and maintain the walking aid in a generally vertical position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for a walking aid that uses a mechanism with variable resistance.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide device for a a walking aid that uses a mechanism that is adaptable to be secured to a plurality of objects.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a clip for a walking aid that is easy to use, inexpensive and convenient.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention attached to a walking cane and a suitable rigid support structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in particular FIG. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a walking aid retention device 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention

The walking aid retention device 100 comprises a base 105 that includes an upper portion 107 and a lower portion 109. The upper portion 107 and lower portion 109 are hingedly mounted to each other by conventional mechanical methods such as a hinge pin. The upper portion 107 and lower portion 109 each have a first end 111 and a second end 113. The base 105 is manufactured from a suitable rigid material such as but not limited to metal. A coil spring 110 is positioned intermediate the upper portion 107 and lower portion 109 proximate to the second end 113. The coil spring 110 functions to bias the upper portion 107 and lower portion 109 in a first position against each other. The coil spring 110 is a conventional coil spring that is manufactured from a resilient metal. The coil spring 110 is attached intermediate the upper portion 107 and lower portion 109 by conventional mechanical methods such as but not limited to welding.

Although good results have been achieved with the walking aid retention device 100 as shown with a coil spring 100, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the base 105 could be manufactured to have a user controlled variable resistance biasing mechanism to mount the upper portion 107 and the lower portion 109 that would facilitate the user to control the amount of resistance required to move the upper portion 107 and lower portion 109 apart.

Still referring FIG. 1, the base 105 includes a pair of arms 115 integrally extending from the second ends 113 wherein the pair of arms 115 are generally positioned angled outward from each other. The arms 115 are manufactured from a suitable rigid material such as but not limited to metal and are contiguous with the second ends 113 of the upper portion 107 and the lower portion 109 of the base 105. The arms 115 are generally flat and rectangular in shape. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the arms 115 could be numerous different shapes in place of and/or in conjunction with the shape described herein and achieve the desired functionality.

The arms 115 function as an interface with the user and allow the user to apply a force to move the upper portion 107 and lower portion 109 hingedly in opposing directions. Applying force to the arms 115 moves the upper portion 107 and lower portion 109 into a second position whereby the arms 115 are adjacent each other. The arms 115 have substantially disposed thereon a coating 117. The coating 117 functions to provide a user grasping the arms 115 a secure method of grasping. The coating 117 is manufactured from a durable flexible material such as but not limited to rubber and is secured by conventional methods such as chemical adhesion.

Integrally extending from the first end 111 of the lower portion 109 and upper portion 107 and contiguous therewith are a pair of fingers 120. The fingers 120 extend outward from the base 105 opposite the arms 115. The fingers 120 are slightly arcuate in shape and function to grasp a plurality of suitable rigid support structures such as but not limited to a tabletop. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous different shapes of the fingers 120 could be utilized in place of and/or in conjunction with the fingers 120 as illustrated in the drawings submitted herewith and achieve the functionality suggested herein.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the tips 125 of the fingers 120 are adjacent to each other when the walking aid retention device 100 is in its first position. The coil spring 110 functions to bias the opposing fingers 120 against each other. In its second position, the fingers 120 of the walking aid retention device 100 move outwardly from each other thereby allowing the introduction of a suitable rigid support structure therein.

The fingers 120 have substantially disposed thereon a coating 117. The coating 117 functions to inhibit the fingers 120 from scratching any surface upon which the walking aid retention device 100 is attached. Furthermore, the coating 117 disposed on the fingers 120 functions to prevent the walking aid retention device 100 from slipping on the surface to which it has been temporarily secured. The coating 117 is manufactured from a suitable flexible material such as rubber or plastic and is fastened to the fingers 120 by conventional chemical methods such as chemical adhesives.

A resilient clamp 130 is to the base 105 intermediate the upper portion 107 and lower portion 109. The resilient clamp 130 is positioned perpendicular with the base 105. The resilient clamp 130 includes a base section 135 and a pair of legs 140 integrally extending therefrom, wherein the legs 140 flex outwardly for introduction of the body of a walking aid such as but not limited to a cane or crutch, and snap fits onto the exterior surface as the walking aid as it is firmly pushed therein.

The base section 135 and legs 140 are manufactured from a suitable resilient metal. The legs 140 are generally flange shaped with the end 137 distal the base section 135 of each leg 140 extending outward from the opposing leg 140. The base section 135 is rotatably mounted to the base 105 by a conventional pin 142. The base section 135 is mounted with the pin 142 that functions to permit the base section 135 to rotate approximately 360 degrees. This allows the walking aid that has been introduced into the resilient clamp 130 to be maintained in a generally vertical orientation regardless of the orientation of the surface upon which the walking aid retention device 100 has been temporarily secured.

The resilient clamp 130 has substantially disposed thereon a coating 117 that functions to prevent damage to the walking aid inserted thereinto. Secondly, the coating 117 functions to increase the adhesion of the resilient clamp 130 on the inserted walking aid. Although the resilient clamp 130 is shown as being rotatably attached to the base 105 and perpendicular thereto, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the resilient clamp 130 could also be manufactured to hinge downward to be positioned adjacent to the base 105 to facilitate easier storage of the walking aid retention device 100. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the resilient clamp 130 could be manufactured in numerous different sizes to accommodate a plurality of walking aids therein.

Now referring to FIG. 2, the walking aid retention device 200 is illustrated attached to a structure 210, such as a bench or chair. The fingers 220 function to grip the structure 210 and maintain the walking aid 220 in a generally vertical position while the user is not engaged with the walking aid 220. The fingers 220 are manufactured to accommodate a plurality of surfaces such as but not limited to tabletops, benches and tubular handrails adjacent to toilets. The walking aid 220 is releasably secured into the resilient clamp 230. The resilient clamp 230 is rotatably mounted to facilitate the walking aid 220 to be positioned in a vertical orientation regardless of the orientation of the structure 210.

Still referring to FIG. 2, a description of the operation of the walking aid retention device 200 is as follows. A walking aid 220 such as but not limited to a cane is inserted into the resilient clamp 230 of the walking aid retention device 200. The user employs the walking aid 220 to assist the user in walking to a desired location such as a bathroom. The user positions the walking aid 220 adjacent to a suitable structure for securing the walking aid 220. The user grasps the arms 215 and applies the required force to move the walking aid retention device 200 from its first position to its second position wherein the fingers 240 are separated by an appropriate distance to accommodate the desired support structure thereinto. The user inserts the desired structure thereinto the fingers 240 and releases the force from the arms 215. The coil spring 250 biases the fingers 240 against the structure and the rotatable resilient clamp 230 allows the user to position the walking aid 220 in a generally vertical orientation. To release the walking aid 220 from the structure, the user applies the required force to the arms 215 in order to move the fingers 240 away from the adjacent structure placing the walking aid retention device 200 to its second position. The walking aid 220 is moved away from the structure and the user then releases the pressure on the arms 215 thereby returning the walking aid retention device to its first position. The user then proceeds to use the walking aid 220 as needed.

Although it is contemplated that the specific dimension of the walking aid retention device 200 can be adjusted base upon a user particular requirements, good results have been achieved with a walking aid retention device 200 that measures 4.5 inches in height, 6.5 inches in length and 2.25 inches in width. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the walking aid 200 could be integrally manufactured into the walking aid 220. It is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the walking aid 200 could be manufactured in a variety of colors.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A retention device for a walking aid comprising: a base, said base having an upper portion with a first end and a second end, said base having a lower portion with a first end and a second end, said upper portion hingedly secured to said lower portion; a spring, said spring positioned intermediate said upper portion and lower portion of said base, said spring for biasing said first end of said upper portion toward said first end of said lower portion; and a clamp, said clamp perpendicularly secured to said base, said clamp being adapted to releasably retain the walking aid.
 2. The retention device as recited in claim 1, wherein said second end of said upper portion includes an arm, and said second end of said lower portion includes an arm, each of said arms extending from said base, said arms for facilitating the compression of said said upper portion towards said lower portion of said base.
 3. The retention device as recited in claim 2, wherein said first end of said upper portion incudes a finger, and said first end of said lower portion includes a finger, each of said fingers extending from said base generally opposite said arms, said fingers for releasably securing the retention device to a structure.
 4. The retention device as recited in claim 3, wherein said clamp further includes a base section and two legs extending from the base section, said clamp being manufactured from a resilient metal and being configured to receive the walking aid between said two legs.
 5. The retention device as recited in claim 4, wherein said clamp is rotatably mounted to said base.
 6. The retention device as recited in claim 5, further including a coating substantially disposed on each of said fingers, said coating being rubber.
 7. A walking aid clip adapted for a receiving a walking cane comprising: a base, said base having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion being hingedly secured, said upper portion and said lower portion further having a first end and a second end; a pair of fingers, said fingers being contiguous with said first end of said upper portion and said lower portion of said base and extending outward therefrom, said fingers being configured to receive a rigid structure thereinto; a coil spring, said coil spring being attached intermediate said upper portion and said lower portion of said base, said coil spring for biasing said fingers toward each other; and a pair of arms, said arms being contiguous with said second end of said upper portion and said lower portion of said base, said arms extending therefrom opposite said fingers, said arms for allowing a user to engage with said clip.
 8. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 7, and further including a resilient clamp, said resilient clamp being mounted perpendicular to said base, said clamp being configured to receive the body of a walking cane thereinto.
 9. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 8, and further including a coating said coating being substantially disposed on said arms, said coating being configured to facilitate a user's grip against said arms.
 10. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 9, wherein said coating is further disposed on said fingers, said coating on said fingers being configured to increase adhesion to the rigid structure positioned therein.
 11. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 10, wherein said resilient clamp is rotatably mounted to said base, said resilient clamp being configured to maintain a walking cane inserted thereinto in a generally vertical manner when said clip is secured to a rigid structure.
 12. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 11, wherein said clip is manufactured from metal.
 13. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 12, wherein said clip is approximately 4.5 inches in height, 6.5 inches in length and 2.25 inches in width.
 14. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 13, wherein said fingers are arcuate in shape.
 15. A walking aid clip adapted for securing a walking cane to a rigid structure comprising: a base, said base having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion being hingedly secured, said upper portion and said lower portion further having a first end and a second end; a pair of fingers, said fingers being contiguous with said first end of said upper portion and said lower portion of said base and extending outward therefrom, said fingers being configured to receive said rigid structure thereinto, said finger further including tips, said tips being adjacent to each other upon said clip being placed in its first position; a coil spring, said coil spring being attached intermediate said upper portion and said lower portion of said base, said coil spring for biasing said fingers toward each other in said clip's first position; a pair of arms said arms being contiguous with said second end of said upper portion and said lower portion of said base, said arms extending therefrom opposite said fingers, said arms being angled outward from each other, said arms for engaging said clip; a resilient clamp, said clamp being perpendicularly mounted to said base, said resilient clamp being configured to releasably secure to said walking cane.
 16. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 15, wherein said resilient clamp further includes a base section and two legs extending therefrom, said legs being generally flange shaped and being configured to receive a walking cane thereinto.
 17. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 16, and further including a coating, said coating substantially disposed on said resilient clamp, said fingers and said arms, said coating being rubber.
 18. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 17, wherein said resilient clamp is rotatably mounted to said base, said clamp being configured to maintain said walking cane in a generally vertical position when said clip is engaged with said rigid structure.
 19. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 18, wherein said clip has a second position, said second position being configured wherein said fingers are separated from each other for introduction thereinto of said rigid structure.
 20. The walking aid clip as recited in claim 19, wherein said clip is approximately 4.5 inches in height, 6.5 inches in length and 2.25 inches in width. 